Recently digitised census data from 1961 has unearthed a range of lifestyle changes over the past 50 years in Penarth.

Hygiene

According to the Office for National Statistics, as many as 13.56% of Penarth homes did not have a 'fixed bath' in 1961 - i.e. a bath inside a house that had waste water plumbing (showers were less common at the time).

Instead, these households would have used a standalone bath that had to be filled with hot water using a bucket.

Also, in England and Wales, around 7% of homes did not have an indoor toilet. Penarth was above average in this regard however, with only 1.45% of homes without a flushing loo.

Home ownership

Comparing tenure in 1961 to 2011, there has been a rise in home ownership and a decrease in renting.

In Penarth in 1961, 53% of homes were owned, almost 27% were rented, and 17% were owned by the council.

In 2011, 73% were owned, 14% were rented, and 5% were owned by the council.

NB. Percentages do not sum to 100% as some housing categories not included.

Population

Penarth's population has increased from 20,896 in 1961 to 24,060 in 2011.

Divorce

These statistics are not localised to Penarth, but do give us a broader picture of social change.

In 1961, 68% of people aged 16 and over were married, and 0.8% were divorced.

In 2011, 49% of people aged 16 and over were married or in a same-sex civil partnership, and 9% were divorced or in a legally dissolved civil partnership.